Government taking concrete steps to internationalize Kashmir issue: Shafqat

India, under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has been gripped by a wave of fascism and Hindutva ideology and is committing genocide of the innocent Muslims. This was stated by Shafqat Mehmood, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training while addressing at a ceremony of speech competition in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day organized the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Students from different universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi region participated in the event.

Mehmood was the chief guest while Parliamentary Secretary Wajeeha Akram also attended the prize distribution ceremony. Chairman HEC Tariq Banuri and DG (Academics) HEC Raza Chohan and a larger number of students from universities in the twin cities were present at the occasion. The minister said that the government is taking concrete steps to internationalize the issue and as a result, three UN sessions have recently been held on the burning issue of Kashmir dispute.

He appreciated HEC for highlighting the Kashmir cause and holding the competition to provide the youth an opportunity to express their sentiments on the Kashmir issue. He observed that it is very significant to create awareness among our youth about the importance of Kashmir for Pakistan.

Wajiha Akram stressed that every individual or institution needs to raise the voice of Kashmiris in their respective capacities. She said the world needs to recognize the struggle of Kashmiri people for freedom. She appreciated the students for their spirit and knowledge about Kashmir issue and urged them to keep their sentiments alive. She said Pakistan stands by the Kashmiri people in their struggle to achieve their right to self-determination.

Sher Ali Daim from Allama Iqbal Open University excelled among other contestants and won the competition. Azhar Iqbal from Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Islamabad clinched second position and Kainat Latif from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi won the third position. The winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs 50,000, Rs 30,0000 and Rs 20,000 respectively Judges for the competition comprised the renowned journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif, Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir from Department of Urdu, AIOU and Makhdoom Shahabuddin.